Medicine Hat – The City of Medicine Hat is making changes to Medicine Hat Transit to support passengers and drivers as part of the City’s COVID-19 response.

Effective immediately, fare payment is not required to use Transit services, including Regular and Special Transit. Additionally, all passengers are being asked to enter and exit Regular Transit buses using the rear door. Front door access will be limited to people with mobility challenges only.

“We know many people are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, and we want to ensure they can continue to access Transit services,” said Gordon Dykstra, Superintendent of Transit Operations. “Waiving fees also allows us to move to rear-door entry, which minimizes passenger interaction with our drivers and reduces the opportunity for virus transmission.”

Individuals who have already purchased Transit passes for April will be able to use those passes for one month once fares are re-instated.

Additionally, starting Monday, April 6, Regular Transit will shift to an alternate schedule. Regular Monday to Friday Transit service will operate on the Saturday schedule. On Saturday and Sunday, the regular Sunday schedule will be in effect. Schedules are available at www.mhtransit.ca. The DoubleMap app will be updated to reflect the new schedules.

“We’ve seen a significant decrease in our ridership as people are staying home,” Dykstra said. “We’re also preparing for the likelihood that COVID-19 may impact our workforce. Given these two factors, we’re changing the schedule as of April 6, so we can continue providing consistent and reliable service to the community over an extended period.”

The City has also increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of buses to help ensure public and driver safety. Passengers are reminded to practice physical distancing in bus shelters and while on buses by keeping at least two metres away from another person to prevent the spread of virus. To support physical distancing efforts, the community is asked to use Transit for essential travel only, including travel to work, grocery shopping and medical appointments.